January 30, 2025 | Posted in Blog
Loved by celebs like Jennifer Lopez, Megan Thee Stallion, Sarah Jessica Parker and Selena Gomez, Coach is truly having a moment right now but, after over eight decades in the fashion world, what has this brand got now that maybe it didn’t before?
We’re looking at what makes Coach special, the impact the brand has had in recent years and why it’s here to stay. We’ll also be revealing the bags that put the brand on the map.
Coach began where many fashion stories do, in New York. It was 1941 and, under the name Manhattan Leather Bags, in a small loft, six artisans would begin making hand-crafted leather accessories like wallets to sell. It wasn’t until two leather experts, Lillian and Miles Cahn, joined that things would start to take off and Coach would be fully realised.
The couple improved the quality of the accessories and introduced a fashion angle that would sell. They also produced the classic Coach logo (the horse and carriage) that many of us can now easily recognise. In 1961, they bought the company outright and began forming the ‘affordable luxury’ aesthetic that Coach would become known for.
Lilian Cahn specifically fronted the women’s accessories side of the brand and, in
1962, influential sportswear designer, Bonnie Cashin was bought in to work her magic. Cashin was responsible for many of Coach’s signature touches like brass turn-key hardware. She loved simple lines but vivid colours and she also believed in the working woman, so wanted to cater to their needs with each collection. Coach’s designs would reflect this.
For two decades, between 1965 and 1985, Coach would continue to make its mark with new Vice President Richard Rose getting the brand vital placements in department stores. His successor, Lewis Frankford would open Coach’s flagship Madison Avenue store in 1985.
In an unusual but brilliant turn of events, the Cahns would sell Coach to consumer goods company, Sara Lee. This would only last until 2001 before Coach became Coach.Inc, its own entity but in that time, Reed Krakoff would take on the role of President and executive creative director. Coach then went from a million-dollar brand to a billion-dollar brand.
Under Krakoff, Coach solidified its name in the fashion industry. It became known for timeless but innovative designs that anyone could wear and love. Stuart Vevers, (former creative director of Mulberry and Loewe) would take over in 2013 and the brand hasn’t slowed down since.
Thanks to buzz on social media, with influencers and celebs alike loving the brand, a Coach product has probably popped up on your screen at least once, but if you disregard the recent hype briefly, it still has staying power.
Coach keeps its place in the fashion zeitgeist by offering wearable but luxurious clothes and trending accessories that can go viral in an instant. It now offers a fast range of products but, staying faithful to its humble beginnings, the brand’s leather accessories remain its biggest pull.
As a fashion house, Coach has made itself known for classic yet fun designs, with the brand stating, ‘We make beautiful things, crafted to last—for you to be yourself in’. Clothes, shoes, accessories – it does it all.
We could list all the fabulous pieces it has offered over the years but, with Coach, it’s hard not to focus on the bags. Because of its dedication to leather goods, bags have always been part of the brand’s DNA, but, in the 90s, it solidified that but pushing its ‘affordable luxury’ identity.
Before brands like Coach, quality high-end handbags weren’t accessible. If you wanted that designer look without the price tag, you may have been stuck looking at knock-offs. Coach filled that gap in the market with some truly iconic bags that still have a hold on us.
When it comes to legendary Coach designs, there’s nothing quite like the Tabby. Combining the trendy vibes of a shoulder bag with the convenience of a cross-body, the Tabby bag has that ‘it’ factor. It isn’t too big or too small, it’s just right; fitting the essentials.
It may encapsulate the shoulder bag craze of the last few years but the Tabby silhouette was originally created in the 1970s and then Stuart Vevers reinvented it for a modern era. You can now buy it in a range of colours and patterns plus it comes in a ‘Pebble’, ‘Pillow’ and ‘Quilted’ design.
A bag design that represents the brand’s classic but fresh aesthetic, the Coach Willow bucket has a lot going for it. Not only is it loved by influencers, but it is effortlessly chic and practical. If you want a bag that can fit everything you need for the day, this is it.
The Willow range also features a tote bag but it’s the bucket design that has trend-lovers hooked. Like many handbags from the brand, it comes in a plethora of colours and stylish patterns to match any outfit or occasion.
Another option for those who love a spacious bag that doesn’t forget those designer touches, the Coach Tote is easy-going but luxurious. As mentioned above, there’s the Willow tote, but there are also beloved options like the ‘Cargo’ tote and ‘Ace’ tote.
Many will agree that no one’s wardrobe is complete without a go-to tote bag so, this is a testament to Coach’s understanding of its customers.
Loved by celebs like Charli XCX, the Bandit bag comes in two sizes for you to pick from. It has a simple sophistication that can take you from brunch to a night out, plus the strap is fully adjustable.
Crossbody bags are bang-on-trend but this one specifically has a timeless appeal and, a surprisingly large capacity for a smaller bag so, it’s worth the investment.
Featuring the signature turn-lock closure and a flawless design, the Cassie Crossbody is sleek and chic. The latest ‘17’ edition is smaller than the original but, with its multiple compartments, it remains a practical pick. It also now has pebbled leather for a truly glam look.
Depending on the colour, this is the type of bag that can be styled with multiple outfits and in multiple ways (thanks to the two interchangeable straps).
Complimenting the laidback but ultra-cool vibes of its namesake, the Brooklyn bag sits comfortably on your shoulder and looks good doing it. As a more recent Coach creation, it reflects what many of us want from our main bag – space and minimalism.
With a lot of ‘slouchy’ bags hitting runways in the last few years, it could have easily been overlooked but, thanks to Bella Hadid and other celebs loving the bag, it’s now a must-have for fashion fans.
If you’re looking to add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe with a quality designer bag, including a range of Coach classics, Your Dream Bag may be just what you’re looking for.
With our handpicked selection of designer handbags and accessories and easy-to-enter competitions, getting your hands on your next fashion fave is just a few clicks away.
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